“A Christmas Carol” Opens the Season!
Summer may have just begun, but Christmas bells are already ringing at the Putnam County Playhouse as preparations are underway for A Christmas Carol, featuring music by Alan Menken (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (Anastasia, Ragtime, Seussical). The book is by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, based on the original novella by Charles Dickens.
This beloved holiday classic kicks off the Playhouse’s 2025 season and will be performed June 5–7 and June 11–14. All performances begin at 8:00 p.m., and tickets are $15, available for purchase in person at the box office or by phone during performance weeks. The box office is open from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. There are no online ticket sales.
THE SHOW IS SPONSORED BY:
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This timeless story has been reimagined into a heartfelt musical that follows Ebenezer Scrooge—played by Playhouse veteran Ric McFadden—on his journey from miserly and cold-hearted to joyful, loving, and generous. Jolly and moving musical numbers immerse the audience in the warmth of Scrooge’s past and the pain that shaped his present, offering a poignant reminder of redemption and hope. The production is appropriate for all ages.
The show is directed by Dustin Bond, with Cameron Wunderlich serving as assistant director. Kathi Elliott is the musical director and leads the orchestra pit. Also in the pit are percussionist DeDee Schwomeyer and keyboardist Anita Newlin. Choreography is by Sarah Vawter, assisted by Josh Bain. Linda Gjesvold serves as the specialty prop maker.
Not only is the production family-friendly—it’s also a family affair! At least 13 family groups are represented among the cast and crew.
In addition to McFadden, John Tischer plays Scrooge’s long-suffering employee, Bob Cratchit. Emily Gray, Grace Buehler, and Josh Bain play the ghosts of Christmas future, past, and present respectively. Jacob Marley is played by Dorian Dowd and Tiny Tim Cratchit is played by Lucas Gardner in his playhouse debut. Rounding out the Cratchit family are Ashton Kirton as Mrs. Cratchit, Cheyanne Newlin as Martha Cratchit, and Ellen Blackledge, Nicolette Blackledge, and Samantha Funk as Cratchit siblings.
Shelly McFadden is Mrs. Fezziwig and Brad Sandy is Mr. Fezziwig/Tap Dancer; Fred/Young Ebeneezer is played by Miles Jernagan, Scrooge’s Father/Young Marley are played by Noah D. Pettit, Emily/Sally Anderson are played by Ella Tischer, Grace Smythe/Fan are played by Josie Tischer.
Mrs. Hawkins/Char Woman are played by Suzanne Funk; Elijah Neeley plays Fred’s Son/10 year- old and 12-year-old Scrooge, and Dave Neeley plays the Charity Man, Banker, and Judge. Old Joe is played by William Dory. Scrooge’s Mother is played by Hannah Newlin, and Amanda Henry is Mrs. Mops. Michael Henry is returning to the PCPH stage as Jonathan and Sadie Henry returns as a Charity Nun.
Kaylie Rohrbaugh plays a Rich Lady/Charity Nun, and Ruth Rothgerber is a Char woman; Olivia Elkins is a Rich woman, and Quinn Dory is a child factory worker; Sarah Ryan and Catherine Ryan are Tap Dancers. Jim Elliott is Beadle, Trenton Bright is a Banker, and Kaiden Lane and Josephine Dory are Ignorance and Want, respectively. Most cast members are also in the Ensemble.
As with any production, the show wouldn’t go on without the tireless efforts of the crew behind the stage. Brandon Wunderlich is the stage manager with Jennifer Wunderlich serving as the assistant stage manager. The set was adapted by Dustin Bond and Cameron Wunderlich from an original design by Linda Gjesvold. The stage crew are Maggie Dory, Randy Funk, Lydia Grove, Steve Hunter, and Johnny Stogsdill. Shelly McFadden is the costume designer heading up a team of costumers: Pat Armitage, Kiersten Lane, and Diana Van Middlesworth. Ben South is the sound designer and Shelby Merrill will run the lighting board.
S.F.